Republicans take aim at Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg during House Judiciary Committee field hearing
NEW YORK -- A rare field hearing was held Monday near Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office following the indictment of former President Donald Trump.
The House Judiciary Committee led by Republican Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio billed it as an examination of the DA's crime and victim policies, calling him soft on crime.
The hearing lasted for about four hours. Democrats called it a partisan stunt and tried to shift the focus to guns.
"Today's hearing is about the administration of justice," Jordan said. "The policies being implemented by this district attorney are going to ruin this great city."
"The reason we are here in New York is because you have Democrats, you have citizens calling for some relief from this pain," Rep. Matt Gaetz said.
Democrats called it all a sham.
"It is an effort to interfere with the administration of justice," Rep. Adam Schiff said. "It is the GOP leadership in Congress doing what it has done best for years and that is to act as the criminal defense counsel for Donald J. Trump."
"An excuse to play tourist in New York and bully the district attorney," added Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Protesters filled the hall, chanting, "The hearing is a sham." Trump supporters countered with "USA, USA" chants. A member of the public was booted after a lengthy outburst. He was led out of the building by police.
READ MORE: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg says "thorough investigation" led to Trump indictment
Some questioned why Manhattan was selected for a hearing on violent crime when the rate remains below the national average.
"Ohio's murder rate in 2020 was 50% higher than New York City's," said Jim Kessler, co-founder and senior vice president of Policy of Third Way. "And assault ... 34% percent higher, and burglary ...146% higher."
Despite the stats, Republicans defended the location.
"There is a perception in the city that it is not safe," said Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona.
They claim they plan to hold hearings in other cities. CBS2 asked for details.
"We have five or six cities on the list, but I'm not sure which are scheduled and when," said Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana.
READ MORE: Rep. Jim Jordan and Judiciary Committee ask court to toss lawsuit by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg
On the witness list Monday were family members of crime victims.
"My son is dead forever," said Madeline Brame, the mother of a homicide victim.
Asked if she felt she was being used for political purposes, Brame responded, "I'm a willing participant."
Also testifying was Jose Alba, the bodega worker who was arrested last year after he stabbed his attacker to death. The charges were later dropped.
"I believe law enforcement and the DA's office didn't investigate the case fully. They rushed to judgement and I suffered because of it," Alba said through a translator.
Lawmakers also heard from the city's detective union and the head of an anti-gun violence group.
"Over 70% of guns that are used in crimes in New York City and across New York state come from out of state, the Iron Pipeline, from weak gun-law states, including Florida, the Carolinas and Georgia," said Rebecca Fischer, executive director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.
"If Republicans really wanted to stop violent crime they would be in D.C. right now working with Democrats to pass common sense gun legislation," said Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia.
The committee did not invite Bragg to testify in this hearing, nor did they ask Mayor Adams or anyone else from City Hall to testify.
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